Viognier – 2022; Perissos Vineyard and Winery; Burnet, Texas

There is certainly not enough that can be said how great this Viognier really tastes. Located in the Texas Hill Country AVA, this estate made wine explodes with vibrant aromas of citrus, lime, and a touch of honeysuckle. A beautiful, fruit forward approach for a wine that is a lush and lovely sipper. Your sip and swirl activities will be equally pleased with those mouth-watering flavors of pear and peach too.  The wine comes in at about medium acidity along with that lovely refreshing finish. There is everything to enjoy in this bottle, so don’t waste a drop. Cheers!

www.perissosvineyards.com

Lighthouse – 2020; Fly Gap Winery; Mason, Texas

This big bad beast Sangio might just do the trick when you just want something mean and delicious for your next homemade pasta creation. Sourced from Kubacak Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, a good decanting for about an hour or more seems to do the trick for the optimal sipping experience.  It has a light red hue when pouring and notes of bright cherries and some sage to please everything your wine senses deserve. There is a great balance of acidity and tannins to help make that perfect satisfying mouthfeel, as well. There is nothing to hold back with this bad boy, so savor all the way. Cheers!

www.flygapwinery.com

Kankar – 2017; Kuhlman Cellars; Stonewall, Texas

This amazing blend of 47% Petite Sirah, 42% Malbec, and 11% Sangiovese comes across as smooth and super delicious as it coats every taste bud.  Sourced from Dry Creek Valley AVA in Sonoma County, it pours a purple dark hue with deep luscious plums on the nose.  Take a few sips and swirls and relish those blackberries like no tomorrow. It’s got some good minerality to it along with a touch of smoke to compliment those well-balanced tannins. No complaints about this red wine jewel, so savor it if you have any bottles left. Cheers!

www.kuhlmancellars.com

Carignane – 2016; William Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

Behold, Carignane! Some lovely cherries and cloves will entice your wine senses from this La Pradera Vineyard sourced fruit. It pours a light rosy, red shade and comes across as medium bodied. The acids seemed well balanced, and those savory spices are a treat to savor with this bottle. Pairs well with food. Cheers.

www.williamchriswines.com

Quatre Rouges - 2018; Siboney Cellars, Johnson City, Texas

This bold red wine jewel has so much enjoyment in every drop that you just want to sip the night away with this bottle. It is a very well-balanced blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, it pours an enticing garnet shade with notes of cranberry, chocolate, and dark berries to greet your wine senses. Add to that a touch of smoke and some good acids and you will instantly be imagining endless pairing opportunities for this one.  One thing for sure, you will enjoy this one food well. It’s a beauty. Salud!

www.siboneycellars.com

Sparkling Tempranillo Rose – NV Carter Creek Winery; Johnson City, Texas

With bright acidity, and notes of watermelon, cranberry and strawberries, what’s not to like with this sensational sparkling wine? Sourced from Lahey Vineyards of the Texas High plains AVA, this big mouthfeel bubbly is quite refreshing. Have another sip and you might pick up on some pomegranate with a touch of citrus. A refreshing delight on a spring or summer day to enjoy on its own or with food pairings - what a treat! Cheers!

www.cartercreek.com

Gravitas – 2018; Calais Winery; Hye, Texas

This much loved and revered wine from Calais is such a pleasure to enjoy. Some serious grapes went into this blend of…can’t exactly say that here 😉.  Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, this secret blend is somewhat opaque and fills the glass with aromas of berries and hazelnuts. It is more robust on the palate, so those who are serious red wine drinkers will enjoy this one. Currants will dazzle that full mouthfeel and those acids will surely tantalize everything else. At 15% abv, the high alcohol integrates quite nicely with the tasting profile without the burning or hot sensation – a mark of fine craftsmanship. Tannins do linger a bit, but you would expect something firm to finish off this red wine jewel.  Enjoy every drop and leave no fine wine behind. Santé!

www.calaiswinery.com

Tempranillo – 2018; Slate Mill Wine Collective; Fredericksburg, Texas

Shortly after taking over 1851 Vineyards, Slate Mill kept the 1851 label brand for some of their wines. This Tempranillo was sourced from Reddy Vineyards of the Texas High plains AVA. It has a lot of fruit going for it on its nose and at just 6 years old, it is still drinking well. This full-bodied red wine has some fine earthy undertones coupled with blackberry and plum notes to add to the wonderful flavor profile. The tannins are still holding firm along with good acids for that optimal food pairing option with this one.   Sadly, neither winery is in existence any longer, but you never know when you just might find a few bottles here and there. Cheers!

Mourvèdre – 2018; Bending Branch Winery; Comfort, Texas

This medium bodied Mourvèdre is some fine wine to have alongside an afternoon smoked barbeque plate.  Sourced from Desert Willow Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA, it pours a light garnet color with aromas of strawberry and raspberry. A bit of pepper notes dance across the tongue as well as on the nose. Sip and swirl and take in that wonderful taste of blackberry along with some plums. You might also discern a touch of vanilla in there, too. A very nice red wine that is so worth the enjoyment. Cheers!

www.bendingbranchwinery.com

Graciano – 2019; Brennan Vineyards, Comanche, Texas

This underrated grape varietal seems to get overlooked at times, but in Texas it does make a mighty fine single varietal wine! This vintage from Brennan was sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA and has 13% Carménère and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon added to the blend. Dark berry aromas along with plum will be your initial notes followed by a touch of spice.  It’s bold and clocks in at 14.2% abv for this red wine beast. This lovely gem has an excellent smooth finish to round things out and will certainly top off your sipping enjoyment with big smiles. Enjoy, well. Cheers!

www.brennanvineyards.com